<b>TYPOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SYMBOLISM IN THE EYE OF THE STORM AND ITS PEDAGOGICAL IMPORTANCE </b>
Abstract
This paper presents a didactic typology for understanding the symbolism in Patrick White’s The Eye of the Storm and illustrates how it can be applied in EAP/IELTS reading classes. Though the previous criticisms do not entirely deny the novel’s rich symbolic layer, they often treat symbols as a single category rather than as signs with varying degrees of decoding. The research paper bridges this gap by imposing a three-part typology upon a specific group of repetitive images and references: the archetypal, conventional and personal symbols. A qualitative analysis was performed using iterative coding to investigate symbol frequency, narrative roles, and interpretive meaning. The findings indicate that the novel’s existential theme is driven by a few archetypal symbols, whereas traditional symbols serve as short-lived cultural references. It is the personal symbols that reveal the characters’ memory and consciousness. The paper is completed with practical work in the classroom. The novel’s existential theme is reinforced by a few archetypal symbols, whereas conventional symbols make only brief allusions to culture, as it turns out. Personal symbols help reveal the characters’ memories and consciousness. The paper concludes with practical classroom activities that infer, enhance coherence and evidence-based interpretation to achieve better results on inference.